FAQ

About MuckFest® MS

MuckFest MS is the fun mud and obstacle 5K for everyone. If you can laugh, you can do it. No special training required. Have a blast on mountains of mud and 15+ outrageous obstacles that will spin, swing, and fling you and your teammates up, down, and sideways. The event is built for laughs, but we’re also on a serious mission: to support people living with multiple sclerosis and to bring us closer to a world free of MS. And you’ll feel great knowing that 100% of your team’s fundraising dollars support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Teams are Best

There’s no better way to experience MuckFest MS than by forming or joining a team. Believe us, you’ll want your friends and family around to bear witness to your mucky exploits and athletic slapstick. That’s why over 90% of participants are on a team. So, don’t wait, start a team today and claim your zany or “punny” team name. Support and honor a friend or family member with MS, or just start a team for the fun of it.

“Clean” Fun Post-Run

After getting dirty on the course, go to the Scrub Your Muck clean-up station and then head over to the MuckFestival area to grab some grub, down your beer (or soda), and decide, once and for all, who had the most epic spill of the day. Children get to join in the fun with a mucky, pint-sized play lot just for kids called the Lil’ Muckers.

Top MuckFest MS FAQ

1. How did you decide which cities to return to in 2015?

Our primary goal is that this event maximizes the opportunity to raise critical funds for MS research and life-changing programs and services for people affected by MS. With this goal in mind, adjustments were made to adequately allocate our precious resources in a way that is efficient, effective and maximizes the fundraising impact MuckFest MS will make in the MS movement.

2. How can I continue to support the National MS Society?

There are many additional opportunities to support the National MS Society. Click here to find a list of upcoming opportunities in your community.

3. Will I get to run with my team?

For an event day where total runner capacity has not been reached, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time. Learn more about waves here.

4. When do I receive my wave time?

Two weeks before the event, we will manually assign specific wave/start times, doing everything possible to keep teams together and starting at the same time. We will notify all participants of their specific start times via email. Wave/start times will also be updated in your Participant Center. If you register after the two-week out assignments are made, then your wave/start time assignment will be completed on Thursday, two days before the event.

5. What if I signed up less than two weeks out from the event?

Participants who sign up after the two week out mark will receive their wave assignment email the Thursday before the event.

6. How do I join a team?

In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Join an existing team.” Then you can search for the team name or for your team captain’s name. Click on the team to join it. Learn more about teams here. If you're already registered and would like to be added to a team, please send an email to info@muckfestms.com with your name, the team name that you want to join, the name of its team captain, and the location of your event.

7. How do I volunteer?

Click here to register as a volunteer! Learn more about volunteering here.

8. What should runners wear?

Runners should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting mucky! You should wear clothes that won't restrict your movement and will provide protection as you move through the obstacles. Pants or shorts are acceptable, as are tennis shoes or boots. Many muckers wear thin work or athletic gloves to better grip obstacles and ropes. Take a look at our Anatomy of a Mud Obstacle Runner infographic or peruse our event photos from last year to get a good sense of how muckers dress for success out on the course.

9. Where do I keep my personal belongings?

We have a Key Check area that uses a tag from your registration bib to identify your belongings. We have limited space in Key Check, so please only bring what is absolutely necessary to store. We recommend you leave the rest of your belongings either in the car or with a spectator.

10. Is MuckFest MS ADA accessible?

All of our MuckFest MS events are in fields so there is not flat terrain. We are not ADA standard accessible, as the nature of the event means wheelchairs will have to move through grass and dirt. However, we do our best to make portions of the event site accessible to people with disabilities.

11. Is there a fee for spectators?

There is no fee for spectators. Learn more about spectator questions here.

12. Is there a fee for the Lil' Muckers area?

There is no fee for the Lil’ Muckers area. Learn more about the Lil’ Muckers area here.

Registration FAQs

3. How old does a participant have to be to participate in MuckFest MS?

Participants must be over the age of 12 on the day of the event. Participants who are 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or on-event guardian. The ratio of guardian to minor-aged runners is 1 to 3. The free Lil' Muckers area is designed for kids ages 5 to 11. Please form a team for you and your minor-aged runners so that we will be sure to assign you all to the same start time.

4. What if my child who is 12 to 17 wants to participate but I don't want to participate?

You are able to give an adult friend/relative that is registered to run permission to act as the guardian for your child. The parent or guardian agrees to the waiver upon registration giving the minor the ability to participate and be accompanied by an adult at all times.

5. What is the price to participate in MuckFest MS?

The pricing structure is based on how many days out from the event you register. Check out your City Page for the current price of your MuckFest MS event. The registration fee listed does not include the processing fee which is added at checkout and is subject to change.

6. What is the processing fee?

The processing fee covers credit card handling, processing, and insurance. This processing fee will be added to your total charge at the completion of registration.

7. Can you explain the price increases for MuckFest MS?

The earlier you register for MuckFest MS, the lower the price. As the event gets closer, the price increases, so register here today!

8. How do I register as part of a team?

In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Join an existing team.” Then you can search for the team name or for your team captain's name. Click on the team name to join it.

9. How do I register as an individual?

In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Register as an individual.” Then select “next” to continue with registration. But you really should consider starting or joining a team. Here's why.

10. How do I register as a team captain?

In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Register as a Team Captain.” Then select “next” to continue with registration.

11. Why can't I use the same email address for multiple registrations?

To avoid the creation of duplicate accounts in the system and redundant email delivery, each registration must have a unique email address.

12. Are registration fees tax deductible?

Registration fees are not tax deductible.

13. Is my registration transferrable?

Registrations are non-transferrable.

14. Is my registration refundable?

Registrations are non-refundable.

15. I'm injured and can't run, can I get a refund?

It is impossible for us to assess each injury on a case-by-case basis and therefore we do not offer refunds when participants are injured and cannot participate.

Wave FAQs

1. Can I reserve a wave/start time for myself or my team?

No. We are unable to reserve wave/start times for individuals or teams—no exceptions.

2. How do I get assigned a wave?

Participants will receive an email with their wave assignment time two weeks out from the event. It’s best not to plan your day until you receive your wave assignment as start times can begin as late as mid to late afternoon.

3. Does my entire team run in the same wave?

Yes! In most cases, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time. When an event day reaches total runner capacity, it may not be possible for teams to be assigned the same wave/start time. Runners will be notified when an event day has reached capacity.

4. What if I signed up less than two weeks out from the event?

Participants who sign up after the two week out mark will receive their wave assignment email the Thursday before the event. It’s best not to plan your day until you receive your wave assignment as start times can begin as late as mid to late afternoon.

5. What if I want to change my team wave time?

Team wave times are not changeable.

6. Why does MuckFest MS limit the size of waves?

We limit the size of waves for the safety of our participants and to avoid long lines at our obstacles.

Team FAQs

1. How do I join a team?

In Step 3 of the registration process, select “Join an existing team.” Then you can search for the team name or for your team captain's name. Click on your team name to join it. If you're already registered and would like to be added to a team, please send an email to info@muckfestms.com with your name, the team name that you want to join, the name of its team captain, and the location of your event.

2. Does all of my team run in the same wave?

In most cases, teams that register at least two weeks out from the event will be placed in the same wave time. Runners will receive an email two weeks out from the event informing your team of your wave time. Please note that when an event day reaches total runner capacity, it may not be possible for teams to be assigned the same wave/start time. Runners will be notified when an event day has reached capacity.

3. Is there a fundraising minimum for my team?

We don't require you to fundraise, but we will love you if you do! Please support the National MS Society with a donation, and ask your family, friends and neighbors to support your participation in this event with a donation as well. New to fundraising? Get some great ideas here.

Your Team Page allows people to see your team name, team fundraising goal, team information, and team members! Donations made from the Team Page are considered team gifts and are applied to your overall team fundraising total. Team donations are not divided among individual team members and are not applied to individual fundraising totals. Visit your Team Page through the link within the Participant Center.

To promote someone else to team captain status, check out the Team Captain Participant Center How-To Guide here!

5. How do I add someone to my team who registered as an individual?

Contact the MuckFest MS team to make this adjustment. Please include event for which you are currently registered, your team name, your team captain, and the name and email of the person who would like to join your team.

6. Looking for sample messages to recruit people or ask for donations for your MuckFest MS team?

Pre-Muck Event Day FAQs

Plan to arrive at the site approximately 90 minutes before your wave start time. This will give you enough time to check-in, get your bib, and meet up with your team or spectating family and friends.

3. What clothes should I wear?

You should wear clothes that won't restrict your movement and will provide protection as you move through the obstacles. Remember you and your clothes will get super mucky! Many muckers wear thin work or athletic gloves to better grip obstacles and ropes. We love team attire and think muckers in costumes are extra awesome.

4. What shoes should I wear?

Make sure to wear closed-toe sneakers or gym shoes. No shoes with cleats may be worn on the course. We work with non-profit organizations to recycle your shoes.

5. Where do I keep my stuff?

We have a Key Check area that uses a tag from your registration bib to identify your belongings. We have limited space in Key Check, so please only bring what is absolutely necessary to store. We recommend you leave the rest of your belongings either in your car or with a spectator.

6. What time does Registration and Check-in open?

Registration and Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m., and we advise that you arrive to the site approximately 90 minutes before your wave start time.

7. Do I need to bring my ID to check-in?

Yes! Please bring your photo ID to the event site for check-in. If you are 21 or older, you will also need to show your ID at the beer tent.

8. Where do I park?

Parking depends on the event location. Some sites have on-site parking and some utilize shuttles to bring you from the off-site parking lot to the event. If you visit your city page here a week before the event, you will see the parking information. This information will also be shared in the pre-event information email which you will receive the week of the event.

9. Do I have to pay to park?

This is dependent upon the site. If you visit your city page here a week before the event, you will see the parking information for your event. This information will also be shared in the pre-event information email which you will receive the week of the event.

10. Can I check in for my friend?

Nope! Each person is required to pick up their own bib, so please bring a photo ID to the event.

Post-Muck Event Day FAQs

We have a public hose-off area where you can rinse the muck off your body, clothes, and shoes. Keep in mind that the water is not heated.

2. What should I bring to get cleaned up?

You can bring a change of clothes to wear after you get mucky. Feel free to bring your own soap and a towel to dry yourself off if you'd like.

3. Is there a changing area?

Yes! There are separate tented changing areas for male and female muckers.

4. Will MuckFest MS check my ID at the beer tent?

Yes! MuckFest MS will check your ID at the beer tent to ensure you are of drinking age.

5. How many free beers do I get?

Participants over the age of 21 receive 1 free beer.

6. Will there be non-alcoholic beverages for participants who don't drink or are not 21?

Yes! Water and a variety of soda will be available to participants.

7. What is the festival area?

The festival area is the place for all Muckers to kick back and bask in their mucky glory. Food, beer and other fun activities are located within this space.

8. Will I get food after I get mucky?

Yes! Each participant will receive a pick-me-up treat after participating in MuckFest MS. Food will also be available for purchase.

9. Will there be food for spectators to purchase?

Yes! Food vendors will be on-site for spectators to purchase food and drinks.

10. Can I buy MuckFest MS t-shirts and swag on-event?

Yes! We have a Merchandise Tent at each event that takes cash and credit cards. No bartering. Sorry.

11. What is shoe recycling?

We work with non-profit organizations to send your gently worn, used shoes to micro-enterprises in developing nations around the world. Your shoes create jobs and sustainability for individuals in these communities.

12. What if I forgot to pick up my t-shirt?

Your local chapter of the National MS Society will have MuckFest MS participant t-shirts at their office the week following the event for anyone who forgot to pick up their shirt. Find your local chapter here.

13. Where is Lost & Found?

Your local chapter of the National MS Society will have a MuckFest MS lost & found at their office the week following the event. Find your local chapter address here.

14. Can I bring my own tent?

Muckers, friends and family can enjoy our large tent in the festival area for shade, but individuals cannot bring their own tent for safety reasons.

Spectator FAQs

Spectators will park in the same area as participants. If you visit the event city page here a week before the event, you will see the parking information for your event.

3. Can spectators see any obstacles?

Yes, spectators can access the festival area and will be able to see parts of the course to cheer on friends and family.

4. Is the festival area accessible?

We do everything we can to plan for the festival areas to be accessible to all spectators. If you visit the event city page here a week before the event, you will see any specific accessibility information. Please note that all areas may not be accessible due to terrain.

5. Can spectators try out the course?

Nope! Because of legal concerns, spectators cannot try out the course.

6. Is there a place for spectators to eat lunch with participants?

Yes! There are tables and chairs in the festival area for participants and spectators.

7. Will there be food and beer for spectators to purchase?

Yes! Spectators can purchase food and drinks in the festival area.

8. Can spectators bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages?

Yes, but purchase it on-event to avoid the hassle of coolers and keeping food fresh!

9. Can spectators bring in their own beer or other alcoholic beverages?

Nope! Beer can only be purchased on-site. Outside beer and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

10. Is there a fee to park?

This is dependent upon the site. If you visit the event city page here a week before the event, you will see the parking information for your event.

11. Can I bring my own tent?

Muckers, friends and family can enjoy our large tent in the festival area for shade, but individuals cannot bring their own tent for safety reasons.

Yes! We don't require you to fundraise, but we would love it if you do!

5. What are the age restrictions on volunteers?

Volunteers must be over the age of 12 on the day of the event. Volunteers who are 12 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

6. Is there a fee to volunteer?

There is no fee to volunteer at MuckFest MS.

7. Do I volunteer all day or just for a shift?

Volunteer time commitments are dependent upon your assigned position and the event for which you are registered. We ask that you stay for the full length of your shift. Click here to learn more about volunteering for MuckFest MS.

Learn more about the muckiest, most awesome volunteering gig ever here.

11. What if I’d like to volunteer and run in 2015?

You’re in luck (or muck)! In 2015 you’ll be able to register as a volunteer and upgrade for just $25 to the “Volunteer Fun & Run Package.” Volunteers will run in the last wave of the day after completing their volunteer shift. Sign up soon, because there’s a limited number of spaces at each MuckFest MS! Click here to register for a 2015 event.

Fundraising FAQs

The National MS Society uses the funds raised through MuckFest MS to fuel cutting-edge MS research and to provide vital programs and services for people affected by MS.

2. What is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides vital programs and services to people living with MS and fuels cutting-edge MS research into the cause, treatment and cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system. Read more about the life-changing work of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society here.

3. Is there an individual fundraising minimum?

There is no individual fundraising minimum, but please support the National MS Society with a donation, and ask your family, friends and neighbors to support your participation in this event with a donation as well.

4. Is there a team fundraising minimum?

There is no team fundraising minimum, but please support the National MS Society with a donation, and ask your family, friends and neighbors to support your team's participation in this event with a donation as well.

6. How late do donations qualify towards my individual and team fundraising total?

You can qualify for rewards until 11:59 pm the Wednesday before your event. Only confirmed donations qualify towards this total. Check the Participant Center to see where you and your team rank for fundraising.

Donations FAQs

1. How can I see who has donated to me?

Log in to the Participant Center with your username and password. Click the "My Progress" tab and you will be able to view your donor list and the amounts donated. Make sure to thank your donors; you can send your own email or use our pre-written Thank You email in the Email Center section of the Participant Center.

2. How do I turn in donations?

Donating online is the fastest way to submit donations. Please do not mail in cash contributions. You can write out a personal check for any cash you receive. Checks should be made out to the National MS Society. Please put your name on the memo line and include a donation form with each check. To turn in your donations, you can mail or drop off your donations at the chapter office. You can search for your local chapter office here. You can also drop off donations on the day of your MuckFest MS event.

3. Why are there anonymous donors on my donation report?

If we receive an offline donation that does not include the donor's name and mailing address, it will be credited to your account as anonymous. To update this information, click here.

4. What if my donors need a receipt?

Donors who make an online donation via our website will receive an email confirmation that can be used for tax purposes. Donors of offline check or credit card contributions will receive an email confirmation when the donation is entered into the system.

5. Can I split donations between multiple participants?

No. We cannot split donations among multiple participants. However, if the participants are on the same team, you can make a team donation that will be credited to the entire team, but not split among the team members.

6. I mailed a donation, but it's not listed on my donor list.

Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please click here.

7. What can I do to make sure my donations are credited to my account?

Please make sure that every donation is accompanied by a donation form from the local National Multiple Sclerosis Society. You can also put your name or your participant ID# in the memo line on all checks.

8. Can I mail in cash?

No, please don't send in cash. For any cash donations you receive, please deposit the contribution into your checking account and send in a personal check.

9. What happens to the donations if I can no longer participate in the event?

All registration fees and donations are non-returnable and non-transferable. Your donations allow the National MS Society to fund cutting-edge MS research and provide vital programs and services for people living with MS, regardless of your participation in the event.

10. How do I get a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter and/or tax ID number?

All donations are tax deductible in the same calendar year your donation was processed to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine what deductions you are eligible for.

12. Can I send a money order or cashier's check?

Yes, we accept money orders and cashier's checks for donations.

13. My donation hasn't posted yet, what do I do if I think it's lost?

Please allow 10-15 business days for processing. If the donation does not appear after 15 business days, please click here.

14. What is a matching gift program?

Your employer may sponsor a matching gift program that will match the donation you just made. For more information, click here.

About My Account FAQs

First, log in to the Participant Center with your username and password. Once you're logged in, you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." You will be able to change your contact information, email address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately.

3. What is a Personal Page?

A personal page is your personal fundraising space on our website for you to advertise your participation in MuckFest MS and fundraise on behalf of your local chapter of the National MS Society. Your page has a default image and text, but you can edit your Personal Page by logging in to the Participant Center with your username and password. Many participants customize their pages with their own stories and photos.

4. How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

Log in to the Participant Center with your username and password. On the bottom right side of your account home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.

Lil' Muckers FAQs

The Lil' Muckers area is a mucky playground space at MuckFest MS for kids too young to get mucky on the course. Click here to learn more about the Lil' Muckers area.

2. Is there a fee?

No. The Lil' Muckers area is free of charge.

3. What are the age requirements?

The Lil' Muckers area is designed for kids ages 5 to 11 who aren't old enough to be a runner on the full course.

4. Is there adult supervision?

There is no adult supervision in the Lil' Muckers area. Parents or guardians must be with children at all times, and participants may not drop off kids at the Lil' Muckers area to be watched by event staff while they run the course.

5. Is there a waiver for the Lil' Muckers Area?

Yes, there is a waiver for the parent or guardian to sign before the child can participate in the Lil' Muckers area.